Princeton to Keep President Wilson’s Name, Despite the Views on Race

Princeton University will keep Woodrow Wilson’s – who is the former U.S. President name on the campus buildings despite the student complaining about his segregationist philosophies, said the Ivy League school on Monday.

While acclaiming that the former president’s name & the image not be detached from the Princeton’s public spaces & from its Woodrow Wilson School of Public & International Affairs, said a trustees report adding that it needs to be truthful in “recognizing Wilson’s failings & shortcomings as well as the visions & achievements leading to the naming of school & college in the first place.”

Wilson had served as Princeton’s president from year 1902 – 1910 & then was 28th U.S. president from year 1913 – 1921.

Wilson was the leader of Progressive Movement but had supported the racial segregation, that was a part of the public policy at the time, chiefly in Southern states.

“Princeton must openly & candidly recognize that Wilson, like other historical figures, leaves behind a complex legacy with both negative & positive repercussions, & that the use of his name implies no endorsement of views & actions that conflict with the values and aspirations of our times,”said trustees’ report

Princeton trustees accepted the recommendations of the special committee that was formed after the students demonstrated & demanded the removal of Wilson’s name on campus in Nov. amidst a wave of protests at the colleges across nation over the action of minority students.

The school also agreed to numerous new edges to encourage the diversity on campus, from reassuring a broader range of students in order to pursue doctoral degrees, to displaying art & logos reflecting a more racially mixed Princeton.

Some alumni however had expressed dissatisfaction at decision. “I know history is complex & Wilson did a lot for Princeton but I really would’ve liked to see Wilson College renamed,” on Twitter said Nadirah Farah Foley, who is a 2011 graduate.

Others praised Princeton for sticking with Wilson name, accusing his views as racist by today’s standards, but quarreling they shouldn’t outshine his endeavors.